You And I (Nathalie) / So What (#61, 1989)

Step back in time to 1989. The air in Sweden was alive with the hum of synthesizers and the pulse of pop music, a vibrant soundscape that had, for decades, cemented the nation’s reputation as a global music powerhouse. Amidst this fertile ground, a synth-pop duo named So What emerged.

The architects of this sound were Jesper Jelse, the voice that carried their melodies, and Martin Ankelius, the wizard behind the keyboards. Their journey began long before So What, rooted in their shared school days at Fryxellska in Västerås, a formative period from 1980 to 1986 that undeniably forged a deep creative bond. From their initial venture as “Foreign Skies” in 1987, their ambition burned bright, leading to a pivotal record deal in 1988 and a strategic rebranding that gave birth to So What.

1989 was their year. “You and I (Natalie)” became one of several tracks to capture the Swedish public’s imagination, alongside other hits like “I Was Lucky” and “Why Should I Trust You”. But their success wasn’t just confined to the airwaves; So What became a visual fixture, their faces gracing the covers of popular Swedish teen magazines like Okej, Frida, and Starlet. While their active career spanned a relatively concentrated period from 1987 to 1991, their impact was undeniable, culminating in two studio albums and even a coveted Grammis award nomination for “Pop Group of the Year”.

The magic of “You and I (Natalie)” wasn’t accidental. It was a testament to the duo’s intrinsic talent – Jesper and Martin themselves penned the song, a clear sign of their artistic control and vision. Guiding their creative output was Anders Bagge, a figure of considerable standing in the Swedish music industry. And the recording? It unfolded within the hallowed halls of Polar Studios in Stockholm, a legendary space that had previously echoed with the iconic sounds of ABBA. This choice wasn’t merely practical; it underscored a palpable ambition for a sound that could truly compete, a dedication to a professional standard that was as meticulous as it was ambitious. The involvement of Lotta Engberg, a respected Swedish vocalist, on backing vocals, further infused the track with a layer of vocal artistry and a touch of familiar Swedish musical sensibility.

“You and I (Natalie)” was undeniably a “big hit” in Sweden. While it didn’t seize the very top spot on the influential “Trackslistan” chart – peaking at number 6 and spending four weeks on the chart, ultimately landing at number 61 on the year-end list – its widespread popularity and media presence tell a more nuanced story of success. This wasn’t about a fleeting moment at number one, but about a sustained resonance, a collective embrace that extended beyond a single chart position.

“You and I (Natalie)” is a whisper from the past, a vibrant synth-pop memory that speaks to the enduring power of music to capture a moment, define an era, and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of its listeners. It’s a reminder that true impact isn’t always measured by global chart dominance, but by the quiet, lasting resonance it finds within its original audience and who keep its spirit alive.

My copy: 7″, 45 RPM, Sweden, 1989, Bozz
Trackslistan (Swedish radio chart): 4 weeks, peaked at #6, #61 on year-end list 1989